Washington, D.C. – January 7, 2026 – The United States has sparked an international diplomatic controversy after raising the possibility of using military force to acquire Greenland, the world’s largest island, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. The White House stated that President Donald Trump considers Greenland strategically vital to U.S. national security and that “utilizing the U.S. military is always an option.”

Trump Frames Greenland as a National Security Priority

According to a statement released Tuesday, Trump and his advisors are evaluating “a range of options” to bring Greenland under U.S. control. The White House cited the island’s strategic location in the Arctic, proximity to Europe and North America, and potential Russian and Chinese presence as justification for the plan.

“The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal,” the statement read.

Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland follows his controversial abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, reinforcing his administration’s emphasis on American dominance in the Western Hemisphere and strategic regions abroad.

Greenland and Denmark Reject U.S. Claims

Leaders in Denmark, Greenland, and across Europe have sharply criticized the White House’s statements. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, along with leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, issued a joint declaration reaffirming that Greenland “belongs to its people” and that only Denmark and Greenland have the authority to make decisions concerning the island.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed support for Greenland’s autonomy, announcing that Governor General Mary Simon, of Inuit descent, and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will visit Greenland next month to reaffirm Canada’s partnership with the island.

Nordic foreign ministers from Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark also emphasized Greenland’s right to self-determination and pledged continued investment in Arctic security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that threats against a NATO member undermine the credibility of the alliance.

“No member should attack or threaten another member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Otherwise, NATO would lose its meaning,” Tusk said.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the European support and called for “respectful dialogue” with the United States. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected Trump’s claim that Denmark cannot protect Greenland, noting that while Greenland hosts U.S. infrastructure, Denmark retains sovereignty and welcomes foreign investment.

U.S. Special Envoy Visits Greenland

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, appointed by Trump as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, has indicated that his focus will be directly on Greenlandic residents rather than European diplomats. He stated on a Fox News radio show that he wants to discuss opportunities to improve quality of life on the island, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy toward direct engagement with local populations.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is using public rhetoric to pressure Denmark into negotiations for the possible purchase of Greenland, rather than signaling an imminent military invasion.

Congressional and Expert Pushback

Some members of Congress, including Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, emphasized the U.S.’s obligation to respect Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Experts warn that forcibly acquiring Greenland would mark a radical departure from U.S. foreign policy principles since World War II, undermining NATO and international norms of self-determination. Melinda Haring, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, noted:

“Eighty-five percent of the people in Greenland do not want to be part of the United States. A takeover would upend longstanding principles that nations determine their own fate, weaken NATO, and make U.S. foreign policy incoherent.”

Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, dismissed concerns about Danish sovereignty, asserting that global politics is “governed by strength, force, and power” and that no nation would challenge the United States militarily over Greenland.

Strategic Importance of Greenland

Greenland hosts the U.S. Pituffik Space Base, a key installation for missile warning and defense operations. The island also possesses significant mineral wealth, which aligns with U.S. ambitions to reduce reliance on Chinese exports. Its location between Europe and North America makes it a crucial strategic asset in Arctic geopolitics.

Despite these considerations, Greenlandic and European leaders have repeatedly stated their preference to maintain autonomy and control over the island’s natural resources.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s discussion of Greenland highlights tensions between U.S. strategic ambitions and international norms, raising questions about the future of Arctic security and NATO cohesion. Analysts suggest that any attempt to coerce Greenland into U.S. control would not only destabilize regional alliances but could also set a dangerous precedent for global geopolitics.